Are cardinals legal to be kept in a cage?

In the United States, keeping a cardinal as a pet is generally illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects native bird species. Cardinals are considered wild birds, and capturing or keeping them in captivity without a permit is prohibited. If you're interested in keeping birds as pets, consider legal alternatives such as domesticated species that are bred for companionship. Always check local regulations before acquiring any pet bird.